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By the Fireside Episode 2: Themes and Motifs

In this episode, we invite experienced writer and editor Mark Fernquest to talk with us about themes/motifs within stories, what makes a good theme and how to shape a story. We examine movies, video games and books from across creative history to synthesize great ways to implement themes for modern storytellers.
In this episode, we invite experienced writer and editor Mark Fernquest to talk with us about themes/motifs within stories, what makes a good theme and how to shape a story. We examine movies, video games and books from across creative history to synthesize great ways to implement themes for modern storytellers.

In this episode, we invite experienced writer and editor Mark Fernquest to talk with us about themes/motifs within stories, what makes a good theme and how to shape a story. We examine movies, video games and books from across creative history to synthesize great ways to implement themes for modern storytellers.

About the Contributors
Kevin Terlizzi-Bowes
Kevin Terlizzi (He/They) is a Santa Rosa local who is in his first semester at the SRJC, returning to education after supporting his family through the pandemic. He wishes to take his love for storytelling and writing to make a difference.
Lucas Cadigan-Carranza
Lucas Cadigan-Carranza, Editor-In-Chief
Lucas Cadigan-Carranza is starting his third year at The Oak Leaf. He has been at SRJC for much longer, having already earned his degrees in English, game programming and humanities. Despite this, he has settled on finishing the journalism degree before transferring next Fall. He loves talking about video games but has enjoyed his time as The Oak Leaf's Theatre Arts reporter and is excited to be Co-Editor-in-Chief this semester.
Mark Fernquest
The Oak Leaf's youngest member, Mark is a freelance writer and editor with a penchant for cryptids and all things post apocalyptic. His articles have appeared in The North Bay Bohemian, The Marin Pacific Sun, The East Bay Express, Smart Meetings Magazine and Made Local Magazine.